Recent Comments

I
recently received a message from reader, Yuvitra Jeyaraman, which said, "I stumbled across your blog as I was hunting for Lat books. I noticed that you have several Lat books and would like to know if you are interested in selling them?"

Lat cartoons typically reflect a local way of life!

I replied asking for more information because I wanted to know more about this reader who claims to be obsessed with Lat cartoons!

Then I learnt she
was 17 when her parents sent her to Canada to further her studies and now she’s
an under-graduate at the University of Toronto, majoring in Political Science
and History.

When she left
Malaysia, Yuvitra foolishly believed that her new home was Canada. On
hindsight, she realised that it was anything but. In fact, she missed
everything about Malaysia, even the things she didn’t think she would miss.

One day, quite by
accident, she picked up a Lat book and as she turned its pages, she discovered
a sense of renewed pride in her identity as a Malaysian. Suddenly the terrible
things like the infamous Malaysian traffic and political culture, didn’t seem
so terrible.

She told me how
she enjoyed the way Lat comics reflected the little nuances that shape our Malaysian
culture: Our willingness to go above and beyond for a complete stranger, the
simultaneous obsession with politics and hope, and an unwavering faith in racial
harmony. In short, the Lat books meant the world to her.Yuvitra was back in Kuala Lumpur for her summer break before she returns to Toronto for her second year of university. Then she asked me to tell her how and when I started reading Lat comics.

My love
affair with Lat started in the 1970s when Lat cartoons were published regularly
in the New Straits Times. Even then, I could relate to the nostalgia and humour
that Lat captured so vividly in his crazy illustrations and colourful
characters.

We were
living in the government quarters while our parents were working with the
Government Health Cub-centre in Masai. It was common then to keep newspapers
clips and when my dad started us on collecting Lat cartoons, it was a regular
ritual to cut out the cartoon strip and paste it in a large F4 size hardcover scrap
book.

In our
family, it was often a race to be the first to read the Lat cartoon and tell
the others about it. Sometimes when I turned the newspaper pages for the
Lat cartoon, I was greeted by a gaping hole because someone had already cut it
out!

A night out in JB is no longer like this...

A
picture truly tells a thousand words and Lat used his drawings to tell his
stories effectively with his brand of humour, even in historical events. His
comics were also a source of cross-cultural education because I learnt a great
deal about the Malay, Indian and Punjabi cultures here.

Yuvitra’s message prompted me to take another look at our
collection of yellowed newspaper clips and it was not long before I was
laughing along with the wit of Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid or Datuk Lat and his
ability to make us laugh at ourselves and our Malaysian ways.

In a collection themed, Scenes of Malaysian Life, Lat covered a
wide range of topics and showed no mercy, poking fun at politicians, actors,
sports personalities, city or kampung
folks and even tourists and foreigners. No one was spared as Lat aptly
portrayed them and their typical ways.

I was fascinated by
Lat’s astute take on ‘A Night Out in JB’ because the sites he
highlighted in this comic strip back then, no longer exists now.

In
it, he clearly made a mockery of the romantic ambience of the Golden Mile, a former
seafront promenade at the Johor Straits which was lit up by electric bulbs on tacky
artificial trees.

While
fishing was popular at the Johor Straits at one time, the water has since
turned toxic and any surviving sea creatures may not be the healthiest choice
of a fresh catch now!

In
the final frame, Lat’s cool illustration of the first Chinese food court in JB,
fondly called pasak-kia, depicted a
group enjoying a hearty meal despite their proximity to the filth and stench
from the open sewer, familiar to locals as the infamous Sungai Segget!

Lat's astute observation of what usually happens at the
JB checkpoint when visitors return from Singapore!

In another comic strip which Lat
entitled, ‘One afternoon in JB’ I realised that this practice is a thing of the
past.

Back then, locals would try to
smuggle back items they shopped in Singapore. But now with their favourable
exchange rate, the opposite is true because Singaporeans are shopping lavishly
in JB and trying to smuggle back everything they bought cheaply!

Lat’s collection of popular poses
for photographs is so funny because it’s true! Just look into your family
albums to find shots with similar poses, whether they are formal photos snapped
in the photo studio or in the park!

Lat
cartoons are often presented in a single frame while his standard cartoon strip
format are a series of small frames with the punch-line delivered in the final
frame. With accuracy in his words and illustrations, it would take a few witty
and well-chosen words inside a tiny dialogue bubble, to crack me up!

A collection of popular poses for photographs!

Nobody takes offence when his Chinese characters have awful buck
teeth and slits for eyes while his Indian men usually sported thick waists or
the extreme opposite, drawn with skinny (hairy!) legs and wearing a dhoti!

I find it interesting that comic books, older than Yuvitra by
several decades, made her reconnect with her country in the 21st century.
It must be Lat’s unique brand of humour that binds us together. His wit
and humour, artfully drawn into cartoons, are indeed an
eye-opener for us to look for ways to unite ourselves with humility and mutual
respect.

Thanks
Yuvitra, for reminding me that Lat cartoons are a viable record of our
Malaysian heritage and a humorous complement to dry history books. On whether or not I would part with my Lat books – regretfully
it’s not likely to happen.

A version of this was published in the July 2017 issue of The Iskandarian

I’m
early. So I find myself a seat in the Axis Lounge to wait for my tea-time
friend to arrive. Little did I know, Gwen was already waiting for me in The
Food Store!

The Tropical High-Tea comes with a
selection of premium teas

When I
received the invitation from the DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru to experience
the Tropical High-Tea Set for Two, Gwen came to mind.

That was because Gwen and
I so enjoyed the Chocolate High-Tea together back in January and it will be fun
to share this with her too.

I don’t
feel the time ticking by because a friend who spotted me there, came over for a
chat and when he left, I glance at my phone and read Gwen’s message, saying she
is already here. Ah! It really looks like we are both ready for our high-tea.

Once we
are comfortably settled at our table, the wait-staff politely proffer a menu
turned to the page that lists a selection of premium teas. Ooooh… what a choice
of premium tea flavours! Spoilt for choice, we take a moment to consider which
to have. Gwen picks a brew of Peppermint tea while I choose Ginger-Lemongrass.

When it is
served, I let my pot steep for a while. Later when I pour out a cup, its
tantalizing aroma tickles my nose and I make Gwen taste a whiff. We smile in
agreement when she comments, “It smells like we’re in a spa!”

Our
attention is then riveted to the three-tier stand on which the elegant Tropical
High-Tea Set is presented.

I spot
the chefs responsible for this presentation, Chef Firdaus and Chef Zulhilmi,
and approach them to ask how the tropical theme is met in the various cakes and
pastries.

This info will be helpful when I sample each item and to identify the
taste of the various flavours.

“Palm
sugar and soursop in panna cotta,” said Chef Firdaus. Not only did my ears perk
up but my imagination soared as my mouth watered to the idea of how the
sweetness of palm sugar vividly contrasts with the tangy taste of soursop in
smooth panna cotta.

I raise
my eyebrows when I hear him continue with, “Jackfruit Cheesecake,” because it’s
good to hear that the humble local jackfruit has found its way into cheesecake!

The King
of Fruits, a popular ingredient in various desserts, also has its place in the
Tropical High-Tea. Presented as Vanilla Durian Choux, they are a pair of tiny
crème puffs filled with vanilla durian cream!

Our serving of Tropical High-Tea

I think
it is better to have a taste of what the chefs are talking about so I re-join
Gwen who’s patiently waiting for me to start enjoying our lovely afternoon tea.

She
decides to begin with the scones and picks the Coconut Scone made with – get
this – coconut cream and desiccated coconut, and savour it generously spread
with whipped cream and strawberry jam.

I wait
for her to enjoy each mouthful – without making any further conversation with
me – and that’s probably how good it tastes!

When she
figuratively comes back to earth, Gwen does not have to say much about how good
it tastes. All it takes for her to describe its rich taste is just one word.
Wreathed in smiles, she simply said, “Mmm…lemak!”

Such an
eloquent word which Malaysians understand! While the original English scone has
its merits, I must agree that a scone that tastes lemak promises a little exciting edge.

Meanwhile
I’m sinking my teeth into the sandwiches. I like how sour dough bread is topped
with slices of beetroot and garnished with tiny cubes of feta cheese. As we are
munching, my only wish is for a little more feta cheese in it!

While the
High-Tea is an elegant meal shared among gentle-women, I must confess that I
feel far from gentle when I come face-to-face with the Grilled Chicken with
Hibiscus Spread rolled in a tortilla.

There
must be some tortilla etiquette for the right way to eat it in a hotel dining
room but in order to taste all the ingredients in a mouthful, I discreetly pick
it up to take a hearty bite. It’s tasty
grilled chicken all right and again, I wish there is a little more of the Hibiscus
spread.

Gwen and I, all set for our Tropical High-Tea for Two

Gwen and
I agree that all the sandwiches are interesting and the mini ciabatta stuffed
with smoked salmon and tomato marmalade, is rather agreeable.

Finally,
it’s time for the sweet stuff. The little crème puff, Vanilla Durian Choux,
literally needs no introduction because I can smell its pungent pong from afar!

The
miniature of Jackfruit Cheesecake is, as its name describes, mini but I still
try to eat it in dainty bites to savour its fruity flavour along with fresh
crunchy cubes of fruit.

I’ve
inevitably saved the best for last – the Palm Sugar or Gula Melaka and soursop in panna cotta – served in a tiny tumbler.
Using little teaspoons, Gwen and I take our time to dig deep into the panna
cotta to spoon the mixture up for a contrasting yet pleasing tropical taste of
palm sugar with soursop.

From July
to September, the Tropical High-Tea Set for Two is served daily at the Axis
Lounge and The Food Store from 3pm to 6pm, at RM58 nett per set.

The third edition of the Johor Baru Classical Music Festival is
happening from July 27 to 29, hosted at hotel Amari Johor Baru with the finale
held at Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios.

The
festival theme, “In Sync” explores the relevance of classical music today and
how it acts a connecting bridge between diverse communities and generations. In
line with its theme, the fest will showcase the synchronization of influences,
styles and ideas to illustrate music at its most universal.

Fans
of classical music can look forward to four main concerts and six masterclasses
and workshops conducted by top-class local and international orchestras and
performers.

The
concerts that will feature 123 performers, present unique perspective and
flavour from Malaysia alongside international talents from Spain, France, Japan
and Thailand.

“This year’s festival aims to excite musical
interest and emphasize the relevance of classical music – that it isn’t just
for the learned or the generations before us but it is an avenue for
storytelling for all,” said festival curator, Jonathan Oh.

“The
festival is also a precious learning and networking opportunity for aspiring
musicians to exchange views with high-caliber musicians and develop a deeper
passion and understanding of classical music and how relevant it is to the
stories of our times,” he added.

The
programme is designed with something for everyone – aspiring musicians, music
enthusiasts and those who are seeking something exciting and different to do
during the weekend.

The title of this performance paints the transcendental nature of music into a
picture of collaboration across time, culture and borders.

The Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia

Jazz Up – Rhapsody in Blue will
feature the National Symphony Orchestra Wind Ensemble teaming up with Misa
Yamamoto and Julian Chan to explore the music of one of the most popular jazz
composers of all-time, George Gershwin.

Jazz fans can look forward to enjoying
Gershwin classics as well as Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud and a beautiful French
classic, Le Temps des Cerises (The Time of Cherries).

Bastian Baumet

Journey to the West Side will feature
the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, an ensemble that will present an
eclectically charming programme alongside Euphonium talent, Bastian Baumet.

Go
on an escapade in realizing the human condition through love and heartache from
the youthful strides of Marquez Danzon to the ‘symphonic dances’ of two gangs in
New York from Bernstein’s critically acclaimed, West Side Story.

On
the final night, Thailand’s acclaimed symphony orchestra, Siam Sinfonietta,
will present A Thai Odyssey.

Conducted
by co-founder and Thai-American composer, Somtow Sucharitkul, this celebrated
orchestra will present an explosive programme that includes love songs from the
late Thai king Rama IX and Bela Bartok’s The Miraculous Mandarin. The conductor’s
own composition, The Suriyothai Suite, will bring this year’s festival to an
exciting close.

The Siam Sinfonietta

Fans
of the Star Wars saga cannot miss, The
Empire Strikes a Chord: The Music of Star Wars through the Lens of Classical Music,
one of the highlights of this year’s programme. Join musicologist Dr Andrew
Filmer on a journey through sound and stars to explore the music of Star Wars.

On
Day 2 of the festival, masterclasses, special events and workshops are planned
throughout the day. They include a Violin Masterclass with Sayaka Ohira and Benjamin
Fabre, ABRSM and Trinity College London in Interview, The Piano Accompanist: Partner
in Success or Failure and Violin Anatomy 101: Understanding String Instruments
from the Inside Out.

The JB
Classical Musical Festival is presented by Johor Baru: International Festival
City (JB:IFC) with more than 20 supporting partners under the royal patronage
of Her Highness Tunku Tun Aminah binti Sultan Ibrahim.

Tickets and
Festival Passes may be bought through TicketPro and enquiries for bulk
purchases can be made by calling Tel: +6017 – 7430755 and +6019 – 7139900 or
email to hello@jbifc.co

“6.30pm
to 10.30pm starting in July for a limited time only,” I overheard this over
bits of conversation during the evening cocktail to bid farewell to General
Manager, Simon McGrath, and to welcome his replacement, Daniel Alcaraz.

Grilled Tomahawk Steaks like this are served
at Tosca Trattoria Italiana for a limited time only

It was a
casual get-together at the poolside and terrace outside Tosca, mainly of
hoteliers and guests who were introduced to the hotel’s new GM. As the crowd
thinned, I met Executive Chef Jaffery Othman, who filled me in on the current
promotion of Grilled Tomahawk Steaks at Tosca and invited me over to dine.

“So that
was what they were talking about…” I thought to myself as I checked my calendar
for a suitable date with Chef Jaffery. I know how chef enjoys cooking up
something special for guests and I’ve often been the beneficiary of his
culinary creations. Then we set a date.

I remember
how chef reminded me to come early and I reached Tosca Trattoria Italiana that
evening in plenty of time to settle down with a drink. Then wreathed in smiles,
Chef Jaffery introduced me to our dinner that night.

It was a
1.5kg on-the-bone Rib Steak with the entire rib bone, French trimmed for the
chunk to resemble a traditional North American tomahawk axe!

“Grass-fed
Black Angus,” chef said as he whisked the tomahawk steak into the kitchen to
grill. That was a lot of meat on a long bone.

Executive Chef Jaffery Othman
serving a Grilled Tomahawk at Tosca

As I was
mulling over how we were going to do justice to that generous portion of meat,
my dining partner showed up! He was none other than the GM himself, Daniel
Alcaraz.

After
a long and eventful workday, Daniel was ready for a fortifying meal and we started
with the appetizers. I reminded myself about how chef delights himself with feeding
me so I paced myself carefully as I helped myself to the antipasto set out on
the buffet.

The grilled
pumpkin and eggplant among the Tuscan-style grilled vegetables were my all-time
favourites but I limited myself to just one piece each. A pinch each of the
Classic Niciose Salad, Lamb Salad and Beetroot Salad made up a fair portion
while I steered clear of the assorted toasted bruschetta because that would
just fill me up.

Just
before I sat down, chef asked me if I’m ok with clams. And I replied, “I’m fine
with clams.”

So when a
freshly-made Italian clam soup was served, Daniel and I agreed that it came with
the right kick. The tangy taste of fresh tomatoes combined with the savoury
flavour of clams… hmm… I shamelessly used my fingers to remove the clam shells from
my bowl and Daniel swiftly passed me a saucer for them.

Check out the juicy slices of Grilled Tomahawk Steaks

Then
our main course was ready. Chef Jaffery proudly presented the platter of skillfully
Grilled Tomahawk that was “well-rested” before it was served. What a gorgeous
chunk!

Chef
allowed me to snap my fill of photos before he removed it back to the kitchen
to carve and served it again, this time for us to eat.

I
recalled how chef pointed out the marbling on the tomahawk steak in its
pre-cooked state and I was ready to taste the juicy, tender meat that was full
of flavour.

The
Grilled Tomahawk was sliced and presented with vegetables like roasted garlic
in oil, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted new potatoes and carrots. Two types of
gravy were served on the side – black pepper and mushroom – but the meat was so
tasty that I didn’t have to add any sauce.

Squeeze a few drops of smoky juice from the caramelised
lemon [Right] onto your steak for a delightful taste

Chef
joined us at the table for a bite and for a while there was silence as everyone
savoured the steak.

While
chewing my juicy steak, I overheard someone speaking again. From the corner of my
eye, I spied the wait staff explaining to diners about Tosca’s current
promotion, priced from RM399 nett, the Grilled Tomahawk comfortably serves two to
three people.

Yes,
I agreed that fans of good steak would certainly do justice to this portion of
meat.

Then
Chef told us that the promotion was clearly gaining popularity as that evening itself,
he cooked several orders– including ours – and one was for a room service
order!

In
the tradition of Chef Jaffery who enjoys feeding me, he also served up a
freshly-made pizza topped with smoked salmon and sour cream – to strike a balance
with the meat in our meal.

A range of elegant cakes for our dessert

I
quietly congratulated myself for pacing myself throughout the meal because the
chef disappeared into the kitchen again only to emerge with a platter of delightful
desserts.

Since
the GM was dining with us, chef took the opportunity to showcase some new varieties
of cakes before they were served in the hotel restaurants.

There was a delicate
cheesecake, slices of opera cake and layered yam-cheese cake as well as a
smooth panna cotta – all of which tasted just right with a cup of hot decaf coffee.

It
was no doubt, a very good meal but my evening was made even better with the
privilege to get to know Daniel and to share with him, helpful tips in finding
his way around his newly adopted home. It’s just my way of saying, “Welcome to
Johor Baru!”

“Dear Peggy, I’ve
just received your invitation to book launch and am delighted to accept.
Looking forward to the event.”

An invited guest sent this
shot to me when he received
my invitation card

“So happy to
receive the invite! See on that date, Peggy!”

“Hi Peggy, I have
received the invitation by post. Thank you. Looking forward. It’s so exciting.”

“We just received
the invitation to your book launch. Thank you very much. We will be there. We
are so happy for you. God bless and take care.”

“I will be there.
Wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

“Thanks for your
invite. We are your honoured guests, Peggy. We’re so proud of you.”

The above messages
and variations of such messages have been pouring in since the invitations were
safely delivered by Abang Pos to
invitees both here and Kuala Lumpur.

Some added comments
and questions about the invitation card like, “I like your invitation card. Did
you design it?” I have replied with details about the design concept.

Another who
received the card after the Reply By date, asked “Is it too late to confirm attendance?
And if not, is it ok to bring my husband along?” I promptly replied, assuring
her that she should bring her husband.

One of the guests
boldly asked if she may bring four more people from their team! She said, “All
of them want to go. Standing room is fine for them…” I couldn’t help smiling
because it was heart-warming to know that they were so keen to be part of the
event.

It will certainly be
a challenge to accommodate all my friends, relatives, business associates and
contacts in one room so very regretfully, some may inevitably be left out. This
however does not stop them from showing their support and interest in my book.

Invitation cards with envelopes

A friend who was
leaving for Melbourne in late June sent her congratulations and a list of
questions including, “Do you have pre-launch copies?”

She went on, “Would
love to bring a copy to present as a birthday gift to a boy who moved there a
few years ago. Of course it must be autographed!”

She continued:
“Then ah…When I get back and the books are on the shelves ah… can you autograph
for me? I’ve got lots of JB-ites who are no more here, whom I’m sure would be
absolutely delighted to read your tales.”

Speaking of
shelves, Emily said, “I will get mine from MPH! I want the feeling of finding
your book in the store and buying it myself.”

When she added,
“Must take photo of myself buying the book!” I reminded her that the store’s
CCTV may catch her in action so it would be better if she asked the store
assistant to snap the photo of her!

I was not only
amused but also deeply touched by her idea and gently reminded her that the
books are not yet on the shelves
until after its launch.

Facade of the MPH bookstore at Johor Baru City Square

A former classmate
who planned to host her Raya open-house in KL on the same day as my book
launch, changed her date so that she could be at my event. It was just
spontaneous. She read the date on my invitation card and promptly said, “I’m
coming!”

Another former
classmate who now resides in KL told me she shared The birth of my book on her
Facebook page as well as with other Johor-related groups. One of her colleagues
is also a Convent JB alumni (very much our junior!) and she too had shared the
link with her friends.

Cousin Shaun, now
also based in KL, said in our Cousins chat group: “I’ll be there with the
entire family.” His brother, Ryan, next piped in, “The troop will be there.”

When I told Gwen
about how this event is developing into something bigger than expected, she
wisely commented, “Everybody who knows you is excited and happy for you.”

As for Gwen, she
had promised to send three books to aunts and cousins in Canada and was getting
one for her uncle here because they would be able to relate to my recollections
of old JB. Gwen reminded me that many Johoreans have family and friends who
grew up in JB and have moved far away. She assured me, “They will love your
book.”

My initial plan for
the book launch was a small but significant event but this idea seemed to have
gone out the window. As I receive more replies confirming attendance, it really
looks like there will only be standing room. The venue may not be big but I’m
sure we will accommodate everyone quite comfortably.

Words cannot fully
describe how deeply I appreciate this awesome show of support from friends and
family. Thank you all, so very much.

P.S. I just
received an email from MPH Publishing KL, informing that the books are ready
and the batch for me, will be sent by courier today. [I’m speechless with
excitement!] This means the books should be in the stores very soon.

Graced by
Tunku Panglima Johor, Tunku Abdul Rahman Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who represented
the club’s patron, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the
installation of Datuk Teo Shiok Fu as the 66th President of the
Rotary Club of Johor Baru (RCJB) on July 1, was a special event held on a
significant date read as 1.7.17, the start of the Rotary year for 2017 – 2018
worldwide.

Chartered
in 1952, the RCJB is the oldest and largest club in the District, with 64 club
members. It is a non-profit volunteer
service organisation which runs social and community projects, primarily funded
by public donations.

Service
to the community is one of Rotary’s core values and the theme of Rotary Clubs
worldwide is “Rotary: Making a Difference.”

In a
simple ceremony, the immediate past president, Lee Soo Tong, handed over the
club’s presidential jewel to Teo to install him as the club president for 2017
to 2018.

In his presidential
message, Teo said that while the club will continue with its two signature
community projects – the Rotary Haemodialysis Centre and the Palliative Care
Association of Johor Baru – this year it will also carry out various community
projects for the needy and underprivileged with a focus on children’s welfare
and education.

Teo, a
businessman, said that the club aims to create awareness of the social issues
in our community through these meaningful projects and encourage others to help
by participating with them.

He
outlined the club’s community projects that will start this July with the
installation of a water filter pump system at a Tamil school in Kelapa Sawit. The
school, which has 160 students, will benefit with clean drinking water and will
also receive whiteboards for their classrooms.

To
celebrate National Day this August, the club will invite some 30 children with
their care-givers from two orphanages to enjoy an outing to Legoland Malaysia
Resort. The children, aged between six and 14, will have a theme-park experience
with lunch in a half-day outing.

“The
youth is our future and it is important to guide them well,” said Teo as the
club sponsors Interact Clubs in six secondary schools in JB. He said a career
fair is being planned later this year to provide career guidance to students.

Datuk Teo Shiok Fu presenting his presidential message

The
club also aims to organise an environment protection project with the community
in the latter part of the Rotary year in 2018.

This
year, the club will mark its 10th annual visit to the Sobbhana
Women’s Foundation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. From Nov 23 to 25, the club will
conduct a Dental Camp with the Cambodian Dental Association to provide free
dental checks and treatments for up to 200 children who have no access to
dental treatment and are often not aware of proper dental care.

Finally,
Teo announced that a charity walkathon is being planned for Sept 30, starting
from Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru, to raise RM500,000 in support of the club’s
two signature projects.

For more
than 25 years, the Rotary Haemodialysis Centre has been providing highly
subsidized treatments for needy patients here. Its current premises at a
4-storey building at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, continues to meet patients’ increasing
need of affordable dialysis treatments.

The team
at the Palliative Care Association of Johor Baru is providing medical support
to terminally ill patients and their families through regular home visits. In
addition to practical and medical advice, it also provides the loan of homecare
equipment Free-of-Charge to needy patients.

To kick
off the fund-raising for these meaningful projects, OCBC Bank Malaysia donated
the generous sum of RM50,000 as the main sponsor of the OCBC-RCJB Charity
Walkathon. More information will be shared closer to the event date for the
public to participate with the club in this worthwhile fund-raising effort.

In
closing, Teo reiterated that he and his club members, with their diverse
vocations and skill sets, will work together in the club’s projects aimed at “Making
a Difference” in our community.